Storage and seating system

ABSTRACT

A seating and storage system for a marine vehicle is provided. The seating and storage system includes a seat and a seatback located at the rear portion of the seat. The seatback has a base portion and a movable cover. The base portion has a storage compartment therein and the movable cover is configured to cover an opening in the base portion. The cover is movable between an open position and a closed position. The seatback has a rear surface and a hinge assembly that movably connects the cover to the base portion. The hinge assembly is configured in such that in a fully open position, the cover is entirely positioned on a seat side of the rear surface of the seat back. The hinge assembly is configured to retain the cover in a fully open position in a manner that does not impinge upon the boat side support structure.

BACKGROUND Field

The present patent application generally relates to storage systems.More particularly, the present patent application provides a storage andseating system for a marine vehicle.

Marine vehicles generally have a limited amount of storage space. Tocreate more storage space, it is known to have storage compartmentsunder seats and under hatches. The seat or hatch is typically hinged orremovable to access the storage compartments underneath. This requiresthe passenger to stand and/or to move the seat so as to access thestorage compartment.

The present patent application provides improvements over prior artsystems and methods.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present patent application provides a seating andstorage system for marine vehicles. The seating and storage systemcomprises a seat, a seatback disposed at a rear portion of the seat, anda hinge assembly. The seatback includes a base portion and a movablecover. The base portion has a storage compartment therein. The movablecover is configured to cover an opening in the base portion. The coveris movable between an open position permitting access to the storagecompartment and a closed position preventing access to the storagecompartment. The seatback has a rear surface. The hinge assembly isconstructed and arranged to movably connect the cover to the baseportion. The hinge assembly is configured such that in a fully openposition, the cover is entirely positioned on a seat side of the rearsurface of the seat back.

Another aspect of the present patent application provides a marinevehicle. The marine vehicle comprises a boat assembly and a hingeassembly. The boat assembly includes a hull, a floor, driver's cockpit,seating and boat side support structure. The seating comprises a seatand a seatback. The seatback has a rear surface disposed adjacent to orcontacting the boat side support structure. The boat side supportstructure extends higher than the seatback. The seatback comprises abase portion and a movable cover. The base portion has a storagecompartment therein. The movable cover is configured to cover an openingin the base portion. The movable cover is movable between an openposition permitting access to the storage compartment and a closedposition preventing access to the storage compartment. The hingeassembly is constructed and arranged to movably connect the cover to thebase portion. The hinge assembly is configured to retain the cover in afully open position in a manner that does not impinge upon the boat sidesupport structure.

Yet another aspect of the present patent application provides a marinevehicle. The marine vehicle comprises a boat assembly. The boat assemblycomprises a hull, a floor, and seating. The seating comprises a seat, aseatback, and a hinge assembly. The seat comprises a seat pad and a seatframe for supporting the seat pad thereon. The seatback is disposed at arear portion of the seat. The seatback comprises a base portion and amovable cover. The base portion has a storage compartment therein. Themovable cover is configured to cover an opening in the base portion. Themovable cover is movable between an open position permitting access tothe storage compartment and a closed position preventing access to thestorage compartment. The hinge assembly is constructed and arranged tomovably connect the movable cover to the base portion. The seat frame isfixed relative to the floor on which the seat frame is mounted.

These and other aspects of the present patent application, as well asthe methods of operation and functions of the related elements ofstructure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture,will become more apparent upon consideration of the followingdescription and the appended claims with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein likereference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures.In one embodiment of the present patent application, the structuralcomponents illustrated herein are drawn to scale. It is to be expresslyunderstood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose ofillustration and description only and are not intended as a definitionof the limits of the present patent application. It shall also beappreciated that the features of one embodiment disclosed herein can beused in other embodiments disclosed herein. As used in the specificationand in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Inaddition, as used in the specification and the claims, the term “or”means “and/or” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It shouldalso be appreciated that some of the components and features discussedherein may be discussed in connection with only one (singular) of suchcomponents, and that additional like components which may be disclosedherein may not be discussed in detail for the sake of reducingredundancy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a marine vehicle in accordance with anembodiment of the present patent application;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a marine vehicle in accordance withanother embodiment of the present patent application;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a storage and seating system of themarine vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present patentapplication, where a moveable cover of the storage and seating system isin a closed position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the storage and seating system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present patent application, wherethe moveable cover of the storage and seating system is in a fully openposition;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the storage and seating system in accordancewith an embodiment of the present patent application, where the moveablecover of the storage and seating system is in a partially open position(or an intermediate position);

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the storage and seating systemin accordance with an embodiment of the present patent application,where the moveable cover of the storage and seating system is in thefully open position;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a hinge assembly that movably connects thecover of the storage and seating system and a base portion of thestorage and seating system in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent patent application, where the moveable cover of the storage andseating system is in the fully open position;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the hinge assembly in accordance with anembodiment of the present patent application, where the moveable coverof the storage and seating system is in the closed position;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the hinge assembly in accordance with anembodiment of the present patent application, where the moveable coverof the storage and seating system is in the partially open position (orthe intermediate position);

FIG. 9 is another side view of the storage and seating system of themarine vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present patentapplication; and

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the storage and seating system ofthe marine vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the presentpatent application, where the moveable cover of the storage and seatingsystem is in the closed position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A marine vehicle in accordance with the present disclosure is shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B. The marine vehicle includes a boat assembly 50. Theboat assembly 50 includes a hull 52, a floor 58, a driver's cockpit 54,and a seating and storage system 56. In one embodiment, the seatingcomprises a seat 12 and a seatback 8. The seatback 8 is disposed at arear portion of the seat 12. The seatback 8 has a rear surface 11disposed adjacent to or contacting a boat side support structure 20. Theboat side support structure 20 extends higher than the seatback 8. Theseatback 8 comprises a base portion 16 and a movable cover 6. The baseportion has a storage compartment 18 therein. The movable cover 6 isconfigured to cover an opening 7 in the base portion 16. The movablecover 6 is movable between an open position (as shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and6) permitting access to the storage compartment 18 and a closed position(as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7) preventing access to the storage compartment18. In one embodiment, the movable cover 6 is movable between a fullyopen position (as shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6), a partially open or anintermediate position (as shown in FIG. 4), and the closed position (asshown in FIGS. 2 and 7). In one embodiment, the movable cover 6 ismovable between a plurality of intermediate positions. The hingeassembly 22 is constructed and arranged to movably connect the movablecover 6 to the base portion 16. In one embodiment, the hinge assembly 22is configured to retain the movable cover 6 in a fully open position ina manner that does not impinge upon the boat side support structure 20.In one embodiment, the hinge assembly 22 is configured such that in afully open position, the movable cover 6 is entirely positioned on aseat side of the rear surface 11 of the seatback 8.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1A, the seating and storage system56 is disposed in front of a support structure 151 of the marinevehicle. In one embodiment, a rearmost surface of the seating andstorage system 56 is configured to be in contact with the supportstructure 151. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1B, the seating andstorage system 56 is disposed in front of another structure of themarine vehicle such as a pontoon support or overhang structure 153. Inone embodiment, a rearmost surface of the seating and storage system 56is configured to be in contact with the pontoon support structure 153.

In one embodiment, the storage compartment 18 is accessible withouthaving to move the seat 12. That is, the present patent applicationenables access to the storage contents in the storage compartment 18while the passenger remains seated in the seat 12. In one embodiment,the movable cover 6 of the storage compartment 18, when in an openposition, is constructed and arranged to not impinge upon the marinevehicle's side support structure 20.

In one embodiment, the seat 12 includes a seat pad/cushion and a seatframe for supporting the seat pad/cushion thereon. In one embodiment,the seat pad/cushion is configured to be pivotable/movable to access anunderseat storage (disposed under the seat pad/cushion) as will bedescribed in detail below. In one embodiment, the seat frame of the seat12 is fixed relative to the floor or the boat deck on which the seat 12is mounted. In one embodiment, the seat frame of the seat 12 isconfigured to remain fixed, under the weight of the passenger/userseated on the seat pad/cushion of the seat 12, relative to the floor orthe boat deck on which the seat 12 is mounted. In one embodiment, theseat frame of the seat 12 is configured to not rotate or move under theweight of the passenger/user seated on the seat pad/cushion of the seat12. In one embodiment, the seat frame of the seat 12 cannot move in anydirection relative to the floor or the boat deck on which the seat 12 ismounted. In one embodiment, the seat frame of the seat 12 cannot rotatein any angle relative to the floor or the boat deck on which the seat 12is mounted.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the storage and seating system of the marinevehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present patentapplication. In one embodiment, the seat or seat pad/cushion has a widthof 18 1/2 inches. In one embodiment, the arc of the tip of the seatbackmoves 2 3/4 inches forwardly, in the direction of the seat. In oneembodiment, a seat width of 15 3/4 inches is still left for the user tocomfortably occupy/use/sit when opening the seat back. In oneembodiment, the seat width of 15 1/4 inches is still left for the userso that the user sitting on the seat does not need to move or get upfrom the seat when opening the seat back.

In one embodiment, the dimensions described in the present patentapplication, are up to 5 percent greater than or up to 5 percent lessthan those described above. In one embodiment, the dimensions describedin the present patent application, are up to 10 percent greater than orup to 10 percent less than those described above. In one embodiment, thedimensions described in the present patent application, are up to 20percent greater than or up to 20 percent less than those describedabove. In one embodiment, all the dimensions shown in the present patentapplication are in inches.

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the storage and seating system ofthe marine vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the presentpatent application. In one embodiment, speakers 101 may be mounted underthe seat as shown in FIG. 10. In one embodiment, FIGS. 9 and 10 aredrawn to the scale of 1:16.

The hull 52 is the main body of the marine vehicle that typically keepsthe marine vehicle above water. It generally is watertight and can bemade of many materials such as aluminum, wood, fiberglass, and manyother materials as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

Generally, the floor 58 is mounted to the hull 52. The floor 58 isconstructed and arranged to support the driver's cockpit 54 and theseating and storage system 56. The driver's cockpit 54 typicallyincludes a console and a seat where the driver operates the marinevehicle.

In one embodiment, the marine vehicle may have different shapes, sizesand configurations, may have multiple hulls, may have different seatingarrangements, may have different cockpit(s), or may have a differentfloor structure.

In one embodiment, the seating and storage system 56 is shown in FIGS.2-5. The seating and storage system 56 has a seat frame 2 that isconnected to the floor 58. The seat frame 2 is generally attached to thefloor 58 using fasteners, welds, rivets, or other similar attachmentdevices as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The seatframe 2 supports the seat 12. The seat 12, shown in FIG. 3, has a seatcushion 13 to make the seat more comfortable. In one embodiment, theseat cushion 13 may be removed, in which case an occupant could sit uponthe seat 12, or the seat cushion 13 may be replaced with a seat cushionof a different size, shape, or configuration. In one embodiment, thepadding or seat cushion is optional. The seat 12, shown in FIG. 2, is agenerally horizontal rectangular seat, although in other embodiments theseat 12 may have different sizes, shapes and configurations, may beinclined, may be adjustable, may be grooved, or may appear as anysurface meant for sitting. The seat frame 2 may have different sizes,shapes and configurations. As shown in FIG. 5, the seat frame 2 may havean under-seat storage compartment 19. This under-seat storagecompartment 19 could be accessed from the side of the seat 12. Forexample, movable side cover(s) may cover side opening(s) of theunder-seat storage compartment, where the movable side cover may bemovably connected to a portion of the floor 58 or the seating andstorage system 56 via hinge assemblies (that are similar to the hingeassembly 22). In one embodiment, the under-seat storage compartment 19is fixed and there is no access to the under-seat storage compartment19. In one embodiment, the seating and storage system 56 may not have anunder-seat storage system. In one embodiment, the movability of the seatis optional.

The seat 12, shown in FIGS. 2-5, has the seatback 8 disposed at a rearportion of the seat 12. The seatback 8 comprises the base portion 16,the moveable cover 6, and a cushioned backrest 9. The cushioned backrest9 shown in FIG. 2 is a fixed cushion that covers a front wall 44; it maybe attached using Velcro, adhesives, or many other attachment devices aswould be appreciated by one skilled in the art. As shown in FIG. 2, thecushioned backrest 9 and the moveable cover 6 provide lumbar support forthe occupant. In one embodiment, the cushioned backrest 9 may be angled,may have different sizes, shapes, and configurations, may extend furthervertically or horizontally, or may be entirely replaced by the moveablecover 6 or the front wall 44, either of which could then act as thebackrest 9. In one embodiment, where the moveable cover 6 replaces thebackrest 9, the vertical length of the moveable cover 6 is generallyextended (e.g., downwardly). In one embodiment, where the front wall 44replaces the backrest 9, the cushion is removed and the surface of thefront wall 44 becomes the backrest 9 and provides support to theoccupant. In one embodiment, the backrest 9 is optional. That is, theseatback 8 has the lower fixed portion 9 providing the primary backsupport (e.g., lumbar support) to the passenger/use and the uppermovable portion 6. In another embodiment, the upper movable cover 6includes the lower lumbar portion (i.e., placed above where the backrest9 is described).

FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the seatback 8, where the seatback 8 hasthe base portion 16 that forms the casing for the storage compartment18. The base portion 16, shown in FIG. 2 comprises side walls 42, thefront wall 44, a rear wall 46, and lip 48. The front wall 44 is a rigidstructure that forms the front portion of the base portion 16. The sidewalls 42 are rigid structures that form the side portions of the baseportion 16. The rear wall 46 is a rigid structure that forms the rearportion of base portion 16. The lip 48 is a structure of the baseportion 16 that the moveable cover 6 rests upon when the moveable cover6 is in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 3, the lip 48 runs alongthe circumference of the opening 7. The lip 48 could be replaced withtabs, indentations, or many other structures, as would be appreciated byone skilled in the art, that would provide a stopping point for themoveable cover 6 when the moveable cover 6 is moved to the closedposition. In one embodiment, the lip is configured to be a water routingfeature for drier storage.

The base portion 16 has the opening 7 (shown in FIG. 3) that allowsaccess to the storage compartment 18. In one embodiment, the depth,height, width, and thickness of the side walls 42, the front wall 44,and the rear wall 46 of the base portion 16 could vary to change thedimensions of the storage compartment 18, the seat 12, the moveablecover 6, the seatback 8, or for many other structural or aestheticreasons. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the base portion 16 has front wallsupports 15 and rear wall supports 14, these supports may add structuralintegrity to the front wall 44 and rear wall 46 respectively. In oneembodiment, these wall supports may appear differently, may vary innumber, may have a different purpose such as water removal, or beremoved. The seatback 8 can be attached to the seat 12 and/or to theseat frame 2 through fasteners, adhesives, other attachment mechanismsas would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, or could beunattached.

As shown in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the opening 7 is at the uppermostvertical and horizontal structure of the base portion 16 and alsoresides in an angled portion 4 of the seat back 8. From FIGS. 3 and 4,it can be appreciated that, in the illustrated embodiment, the opening 7resides in two intersecting planes, an upper horizontal plane at the topof the seatback 8, and in an angled plane, extending downwardly from theupper horizontal plane at an oblique angle as shown. The opening 7 asshown in FIG. 3 is one embodiment. In one embodiment, the opening 7 mayappear elsewhere on the base portion 16, it may occupy more than 2planes, may have a different sizes, shapes or configurations, may besegmented to have multiple openings, may be larger or smaller, or mayhave many other possible layouts. The opening 7 can be closed by themoveable cover 6 that is attached to the base portion 16 by the hingeassembly 22. The moveable cover 6 may appear as in FIG. 2 where itgenerally matches the geometry of the opening 7 and substantiallyencloses the opening 7. In one embodiment, the moveable cover 6 may notsubstantially enclose the opening 7 or it may have a different geometrythan the opening 7. In one embodiment, the cover 6 is made offiberglass. In one embodiment, the cover 6 may be made of othermaterials such as wood, metal, or many other materials as would beappreciated by one skilled in the art.

The opening 7 allows access to the storage compartment 18. In oneembodiment, the storage compartment 18 could have multiple openings 7and multiple movable covers 6. The storage compartment 18 could beappear as shown in FIG. 3 as a compartment enclosed by the base portion16 and the moveable cover 6, with limitation on the vertical depthprovided by the bottom wall 47. In one embodiment, the storagecompartment 18 may appear as segmented storage compartments, may havedifferent geometries to facilitate certain objects such as indentationsfor an anchor or a rope, may have watertight seals to facilitate storageof ice and liquids, or many other possible configurations and features.The casing of the storage compartment 18 may be made of many differentmaterials such as fiberglass, metal, plastic, etc. In one embodiment,the vertical depth of the storage compartment 18 could be extended orlessened by moving the bottom wall up 47 or down respectively. In oneembodiment, the storage compartment 18 could extend all the way down tothe floor 58 for storage of taller items, or the storage compartment 18could be extended to be combined with the under-seat storage compartment19.

As shown in FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the seatback 8 has the rearsurface 11 that is flush with the side support structure 20. The sidesupport structure 20, shown in FIG. 4, comprises a lower horizontalrailing 60, middle horizontal railing 62, an upper horizontal railing64, and angled support structures 66. As shown in FIG. 4, the lowerhorizontal railing 60, the middle horizontal railing 62, and the upperhorizontal railing 64 are in contact with seatback rear surface 11. Inone embodiment, the side support structure 20 may not be in contact withthe storage and seating system 56. In one embodiment, the rear surface11 of the seatback 8 could be connected to the side support structure20, using fasteners, adhesives, not be attached at all but still be incontact, or be in contact with another superstructure fixture such as apontoon support or overhang. In one embodiment, the lower horizontalrailing 60, the middle horizontal railing 62, the upper horizontalrailing 64, and the angled support structures 66 may have differentsizes, shapes and configurations, may be replaced with a differentsuperstructure fixtures, or may be orientated differently to the storageand seating system 56.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5, a generally vertical force must be applied tothe cover 6 to move the cover 6 from its the closed position as shownFIGS. 2 and 7 to a partially-open position as shown FIG. 4 and to theopen position as shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6. This force could be providedby an individual(s) or in alternative embodiments the force could beapplied with a servo or other force applying mechanisms. The cover 6 ispivotable due to the hinge assembly 22. When a generally vertical forceis applied to the cover 6 the hinge assembly 22 pivots and goes from agenerally horizontal position shown in FIG. 7 to a more verticalposition shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, the hinge assembly 22 mayalso be referred to as a linkage assembly. In one embodiment, the hingeassembly 22 may be a four bar linkage assembly as will be described indetail below.

When the moveable cover 6 is in the open position shown in FIGS. 3, 5and 6, an occupant can substantially access the storage compartment 18.Also, when the moveable cover 6 is in the open position as shown inFIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the opening 7 is substantially exposed and no part ofthe moveable cover 6 impinges the boat side support structure 20.

When the moveable cover 6 is in the closed position shown in FIGS. 2 and7, the storage compartment 18 cannot be substantially accessed. Also,when the moveable cover 6 is in the fully closed position as shown inFIGS. 2 and 7, no part of the moveable cover 6 impedes the boat sidesupport structure 20.

To move the moveable cover 6 from the fully open position shown in FIGS.3, 5 and 6 to the closed position shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, a downwardforce is applied to the moveable cover 6 and the moveable cover 6 pivotsdownward.

The hinge assembly 22 pivots the cover 6 between the closed positionshown in FIGS. 2 and 7 and the open position shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6.In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, link members of the hingeassembly include a fixed cover mounting link 28, a fixed base portionmounting link 30, a link 24, and a link 28. The mounting link 28 isconstructed and arranged to be fixedly connected to the cover 6. Themounting link 30 is constructed and arranged to be fixedly connected tothe base portion 16. The link 24 is pivotally connected to both thefixed cover mounting link 28 and the fixed base portion mounting link 30as shown in FIGS. 6-8, and link 26 is pivotally connected to both thefixed cover mounting link 28 and the fixed base portion mounting link30. In one embodiment, the link 24 and the link 26 are pinned to boththe fixed cover mounting link 28 and the fixed base portion mountinglink 30 through fasteners 34 and flanges 36, in alternative embodimentsthese pins and flanges could be replaced with other rotatable couplingsand attachment devices.

As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the links 24 and 26 are generally elongated flatlengths of metal. In one embodiment, the lengths, thicknesses, andwidths of the links 24 and 26 may change or vary. In one embodiment, asshown in FIGS. 6-8, the link 24 has a pair of scalloped sections 40along its length. This configuration allows the link 24 to lay flat asshown in FIG. 7 against the fasteners 34. In one embodiment, thesescalloped sections 40 may be removed, may be replaced with a structurehaving different sizes, shapes and configurations.

The ratio of the first bar length 24 to the second bar length 26, andthe mounting location of the link 28 on the cover 6 and the mountinglocation of the link 30 on the base portion 16 are selected to ensurethe cover 6 does not impede the side support structure 20 when the coveris in the open position or in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 6,in one embodiment, the link 24 is longer than the link 26. Thisdifference in length (between the links 24 and 22) combined with thelength of the cover mounting link 28 and the base portion mounting link30 enable the hinge mechanism 22 to move the cover 6 between the openand closed positions without impinging on the side support structure 20or extending past the seatback rear surface 11.

However, in another embodiment, where there is no side supportstructure, the hinge assembly 22 can still be used. The hinges couldappear as in FIG. 3 or they could be moved closer to the seat 12, orcould be moved closer to the seatback rear surface 11. Furthermore, thetwo hinge assemblies 22 could be mounted as shown in FIG. 3 or could bereplaced a single hinge assembly 22; alternatively a single hinge 22could be mounted centrally or in many different positions. The positionsof the hinge assembly 22 could be moved or changed to facilitate aneasier opening or closing of the cover 6. The hinge assembly 22 couldappear as in FIGS. 6-8 with an over-center spring 32 that keeps thecover 6 in the open position once opened. In one embodiment, the spring32 could be an over-center spring that helps open the lid and helps stopit from slamming closed, but, in one embodiment, this could be replacedwith a catch or with another device that operates for a similar purpose,or it could be removed.

In one embodiment, the hinge assembly 22 includes a spring assist drivelinkage mechanism. In one embodiment, the spring assist drive linkagemechanism is configured to operate as an over-center mechanism. In oneembodiment, the combination of these link member 24, 26, 28 and 30 alsoserve as an over center mechanism to retain/lock the moveable cover 6 inthe closed position or the moveable cover 6 in the open position.

The over-center spring 32 attaches to the links 24 and 26 through a pairof eyelets 38. As shown in FIG. 6, there is a plane 66 that extends fromthe link 26, and a plane 68 that extends from the upper cover mountingfastener 34. When the moveable cover 6 moves from the open positionshown in FIG. 6 to the semi-open position shown in FIG. 8, the planes 66and 68 no longer intersect, when the planes 66 and 68 no longerintersect the over-center spring 32 resists the force that is closingthe moveable cover 6. When the planes 66 and 68 intersect, as shown inFIG. 6, the over-center spring 32 resists an opening force.

The over-center hinge assembly 22 is configured to turn or move throughmost of its range in an effortless and torque-free manner. In oneembodiment, at a specific position, just before the closed position ofthe moveable cover 6 is reached, a strong closing torque begins. Thatis, as soon as the dead or over center position is passed, the closingthrust is produced by the over center hinge assembly 22, so that themoveable cover 6 is forced into the fully closed position. In oneembodiment, at a specific position, just before the open position of themoveable cover 6 is reached, a strong opening torque begins. That is, assoon as the dead or over center position is passed, the opening thrustis produced by the over center hinge assembly 22, so that the moveablecover 6 is forced into the fully open position.

In one embodiment, the spring 32 could be attached to links 24 and 26through alternative methods. In one embodiment, the four-bar linkagehinges 22 could have a different over center-mechanism for locking thecover 6 in the open or closed position, or it could be held in place byhand.

In the embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2-5, the four-bar linkage hingeassembly 22 is set up so the storage compartment 18 could be accessedwhile someone is sitting in the seat 12. When the movable cover 6 ismoving from the closed position as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7 to the openposition as shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, the four bar linkage hingeassembly 22 pivots the cover 6 towards the side support structure 20.The four bar linkage hinge assembly 22 is designed to move the cover 6substantially vertically so that the arc of the moveable cover 6 doesnot substantially encompass the seat, this allows an occupant to remainseated while accessing the storage compartment 18.

The four-bar linkage hinge assembly 22 shown in FIG. 7 is in a closedposition. To pivot the moveable cover 6 from the closed positon shown inFIGS. 2 and 7 to the open position shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the four-barlinkage hinge assembly 22 must be rotated from a closed position shownin FIG. 7 to an open position shown in FIG. 6.

When the cover 6 rotates from the opened to the closed position, thefour-bar linkage hinge assembly 22 shifts the moveable cover 6 away fromthe side support structure 20. This configuration ensures that, duringthis movement of the moveable cover 6, it does not impinge on the sidesupport structure 20.

The four-bar linkage hinge assembly 22 is typically made of metal butcould be made of other materials such as a hard plastic, wood, or othermaterials as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. Thefour-bar linkage hinge assembly 22 may appear as in FIG. 7 in the closedposition. To move between the closed position shown in FIG. 7 and theopen position shown in FIG. 6, the link 24 goes from a generallyhorizontal position shown in FIG. 7 to a more vertical position shown inFIG. 8 then to a less vertical position but not generally horizontalposition shown in FIG. 6. The link 26 goes from a generally horizontalposition shown in FIG. 7 to a generally vertical position shown in FIG.8 to a less vertical position but not generally horizontal positionshown in FIG. 6, when it rotates between the closed position shown inFIG. 7 and the open position shown in FIG. 6.

Although the present patent application has been described in detailbased on what is currently considered to the most practical andpreferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail issole for that purpose and that the patent application is not limited tothe disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary is intended to covermodifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit andscope of the appended claims. In addition, it is to be understood thatthe present patent application contemplates that, to the extentpossible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined withone or more features of any other embodiment.

1. A seating and storage system for marine vehicles comprising: a seat;a seatback disposed at a rear portion of the seat, the seatbackcomprising a base portion and a movable cover, the base portion having astorage compartment therein and the movable cover being configured tocover an opening in the base portion, the movable cover being movablebetween an open position permitting access to the storage compartmentand a closed position preventing access to the storage compartment, theseatback having a rear surface; and a hinge assembly constructed andarranged to movably connect the movable cover to the base portion, thehinge assembly being configured such that in a fully open position, thecover is entirely positioned on a seat side of the rear surface of theseat back.
 2. The seating and storage system of claim 1, wherein thehinge assembly includes a four-bar linkage mechanism.
 3. The seating andstorage system of claim 2, wherein the hinge assembly includes a springthat holds the moveable cover in the open position.
 4. The seating andstorage system of claim 3, wherein the spring is an over-center spring,5. The seating and storage system of claim 1, further comprising a boatside support structure that is behind the rear surface of the seatback.6. The seating and storage system of claim 5, wherein the boat sidesupport structure is a pontoon support.
 7. The seating and storagesystem of claim 1, the seatback includes a lower fixed portion thatprovides back support to a passenger.
 8. A marine vehicle comprising: aboat assembly, the boat assembly comprising a hull, a floor, driver'scockpit, seating and boat side support structure, the seating comprisinga seat and a seatback, the seatback having a rear surface disposedadjacent to or contacting the boat side support structure, the sidesupport structure extending higher than the seatback, the seatbackcomprising a base portion and a movable cover, the base portion having astorage compartment therein, the movable cover being configured to coveran opening in the base portion, the movable cover being movable betweenan open position permitting access to the storage compartment and aclosed position preventing access to the storage compartment; and ahinge assembly constructed and arranged to movably connect the movablecover to the base portion, the hinge assembly being configured to retainthe movable cover in a fully open position in a manner that does notimpinge upon the boat side support structure.
 9. The marine vehicle ofclaim 8, wherein the hinge assembly includes a four-bar linkagemechanism.
 10. The marine vehicle of claim 9, wherein the hinge assemblyincludes a spring that holds the moveable cover in the open position.11. The marine vehicle of claim 10, wherein the spring is an over-centerspring.
 12. The marine vehicle of claim 8, wherein the boat side supportstructure is behind the rear surface of the seatback.
 13. The marinevehicle of claim 12, wherein the boat side support structure is apontoon support.
 14. A marine vehicle comprising: a boat assembly, theboat assembly comprising a hull, a floor, and seating, the seatingcomprising: a seat, the seat comprising a seat pad and a seat frame forsupporting the seat pad thereon; a seatback disposed at a rear portionof the seat, the seatback comprising a base portion and a movable cover,the base portion having a storage compartment therein and the movablecover being configured to cover an opening into the storage compartmentin the base portion, the movable cover being movable between an openposition permitting access to the storage compartment and a closedposition preventing access to the storage compartment; and a hingeassembly constructed and arranged to movably connect the movable coverto the base portion, wherein the seat frame is fixed relative to thefloor on which the seat frame is mounted.
 15. The marine vehicle ofclaim 14, wherein the seat frame cannot move in any direction or anyangle relative to the floor on which the seat frame is mounted.
 16. Theseating and storage system of claim 4, wherein the four-bar linkagemechanism of the hinge assembly includes two pivoting links, eachpivoting link is pivotally connected to the cover and the base portion,respectively, and wherein one end of the over-center spring is attachedto one of the two pivoting links and the other end of the over-centerspring is attached to the other of the two pivoting links,
 17. Theseating and storage system of claim 16, wherein the four-bar linkagemechanism of the hinge assembly further includes a cover mounting linkconstructed and arranged to be fixedly connected to the cover and a baseportion mounting link constructed and arranged to be fixedly connectedto the base portion, wherein one of the two pivoting links is longerthan the other of the two pivoting links, and wherein the difference inthe lengths between two pivoting links combined with the length of thecover mounting link and the length of the base portion mounting linkenable the hinge assembly to move the cover between the open and theclosed positions such that, in the fully open position, the cover isentirely positioned on the seat side of the rear surface of the seatback
 18. The seating and storage system of claim 4, wherein theover-center spring is configured to facilitate the opening of the coverand is also configured to stop the cover from slamming closed.
 19. Theseating and storage system of claim 4, wherein the over-center spring isconfigured to retain the cover in the closed position.
 20. The seatingand storage system of claim 1, wherein the hinge assembly is constructedand arranged to move the cover substantially vertically so that an arcof the cover does not substantially encompass the seat, this allows anoccupant to remain seated on the seat while accessing the storagecompartment.
 21. The seating and storage system of claim 1, wherein thehinge assembly includes a spring assist drive linkage mechanism, andwherein the spring assist drive mechanism is configured to operate as anover-center mechanism to retain the cover in the open position and/or toretain the cover in the closed position.
 22. The marine vehicle of claim14, wherein the seat frame of the seat is configured to remain fixed,under the weight of a user seated on the seat pad of the seat, relativeto the floor or the boat deck on which the seat is mounted.
 23. Themarine vehicle of claim 14, wherein the hinge assembly is configuredsuch that the storage compartment is accessed while a user is seated onthe seat pad of the seat,
 24. The marine vehicle of claim 14, whereinthe hinge assembly is configured to move the cover substantiallyvertically so that an arc of the cover does not substantially encompassthe seat pad of the seat, this allows a user to remain seated on theseat pad of the seat while accessing the storage compartment.
 25. Themarine vehicle of claim 14, wherein the seat pad of the seat has a widthdimension of 18 1/2 inches, wherein an arc of the tip of the seatbackmoves 2¾ inches forwardly, in the direction of the seat, and wherein aseat width dimension of 15 3/4 inches is still left for a user tocomfortably sit on the seat pad of the seat when opening the seat back.26. The marine vehicle of claim 25, wherein the seat width dimension of15 3/4 inches is still left for the user so that the user sitting on theseat pad of the seat does not need to move or get up from the seat whenopening the seat back.
 27. The seating and storage compartment of claim1, wherein the opening in the base portion includes an upwardly facingopening and a forwardly facing opening and wherein the movable cover isconfigured to cover the upwardly facing opening and the forwardly facingopening in the base portion.
 28. The marine vehicle of claim 8, whereinthe opening in the base portion includes an upwardly facing opening anda forwardly facing opening and wherein the movable cover is configuredto cover the upwardly facing opening and the forwardly facing opening inthe base portion.
 29. The marine vehicle of claim 14, wherein theopening in the base portion includes an upwardly facing opening and aforwardly facing opening and wherein the movable cover is configured tocover the upwardly facing opening and the forwardly facing opening inthe base portion.